Range and position finder



MMV/e281 H. JUST;

RANGE ANI)v POSITION FINDER.

APPLICATION FILED .IULY I8. 1913.

Patented Feb.- 21', 1922'.

'u ne.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HEINRICH JUST, 0Fv ESSEN-ON-THE-RUHR, GERMANY, ASSIGNOR TO FRIED. KRPP AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, 0F ESSEN-ON-THE-RUHR, GERMANY.

vRANGE AND POSITION FINDER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 21, 1922.

Application led July 18, 1913. Serial No. 779,740.

(GRANTED UNDER THE PROVISIONS 0F THE ACT 0F MARCH 3, 1921, 41 STAT. L., 1313.)

To all whom t may conce/m:

Be it known that I, HEINRICH JUST, residing at Essen-on-the-Ruhr, Germany, a subject of the Emperor of Germany, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Range and Position Finders, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to range and position finders for indirect laying of guns, `in which, when the distance is known between the gun and an observation stand situated at some distance therefrom, a mechanical triangle may be formed, which corresponds to the triangle determined by the relative position of gun, target and observation stand; this being accomplished by first set-ting the instrument to the range, which the target has relative to the observation stand, and second in azimuth by using the observed direction of an imaginary line drawn between the observation Stand and the target.

The object of the present invention 1s to provide such a range and position finder, wherein the mechanical triangle maybe given comparatively large dimensions, without inadmissible proportions of the apparatus, and without reducing the distinctiveness of the graduation.

One embodiment of this invention is illustra-ted in the accompanying drawings representing a position finder which is intended for a gun having a bed plate graduation, the distance of the observation stand relative to the gun being constant as regards length and direction, and

Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of the apparatus,

Figure 2 a top plan view of Fig. l., and

Figure 3 a transverse section on line 3 3 of Fig. 2.

The stand A of the position finder, which iS suitably mounted on a wall of a foundation Situated near the gun, is provided with a slide B, longitudinally displaceable by means of a Screw spindle C. This slide B, has a trunnion b1 on which a circular cup-shaped graduation disk D is loosely revoluble. On the nave of the graduation disk D is securely fixed an arm d1 which is provided with a trunnion c1 journalled in a sleeve E, the axis of which trunnion is parallel to the axis of the trunnion b1. The sleeve E is mounted to slide. on a ruler F which is provided with a trunnion G journalled in the bridge al securely mounted at one end of the stand A. The axis of the trunnion G is parallel with the axis of the trunnion b1, and iS situated in the sliding plane of the latter trunnion. The mechanical triangle is outlined by the axes of the trunnions el, G and b1, which triangle corresponds to the triangle determined by gun, target and observation stand; the points of the mechanical triangle are designated by l, 2 and 3 in Fig. 2, and point l corresponds to the gun, point 2 to the target and point 3 to the observation stand. For reading off the length of the side 32, a range scale a2 is provided which is engraved on the stand A, and an index mark b3 is en raved on an index b2 fixed on the slide B. he length of the side l2 of the triangle may be ascertained on a graduation f1 of the ruler F against an edge c2 of the sleeve E. The zero points of the scales a2 and f1 are situated at the end of the graduation nearest the trunnion G.

At the outer edge of the graduation disk D is situated an angle scale Z2 which corresponds to the horizontal angle scale of a stationary, circular graduation on the observation stand, which is not shown in the drawing. The corresponding reading mark b5 is situated on an index b4 rigidly secured on the slide B. The position of the zero point of the angle scale cl2 has been selected so that the angle, which the side 31 of the triangle, forms with the side 32, when the mark b5 stands over the zero point, is equal to the angle which an imaginary line, drawn between the observation stand and the gun, forms in the horizontal plane with the zero direction on the stationary, circular graduation of the observation stand. To read the side direction which has to be given to the gun is provided an angle scale als, which is concentric with the angle scale d2 and provided also on the graduation disk D; and which has the same angular unit as the angle scale of the foundation graduation of the gun. The corresponding reading mark h1 is situated on a ring sector H, which is slidable in a circular guideway of the graduation disk D. This sector is provided with internal teeth 71.2 meshing with a toothed arc 1 of a sector J. This sector J surrounds the nave of a spur gear K revolubly mounted on a journal m1 of an arm M, which in its turn may be revolved around the nave of the graduation disk D.

The arm M is, by means of a link N, connected with the sleeve E, and the rat-io has been selected so that the parts E, N, M and (l1 form a linlcparallelograni. The spur gear K being mounted to freely revolve relative to the sector J, is in mesh with an internal gear d* of the graduation disk D, and carries firmly secured thereon a scale disk K1. On this scale disk is engraved an angle scale k2, permitting the reading of fractions ot the unit which forms the base for the angle scale d3. The corresponding reading mark 3 is situated on a circular flange 2 of the sector J, which iange partly surrounds the graduation disk K1.

The mark 3 may, within certain limits, be adjusted by means of a self-locking worm l revoluble in two bearings m2 of the arm M, which worm meshes with a toothed ring '1 of the sector J, this for the purpose of making the corrections which for instance would be considered necessary for the side deviation caused by the twist from wind or other causes. To read off the adjustments made is provided an angle scale 5 arranged on the circular flange 2, and a mark m1 situated on the index ma carried by one of the two bearings m2.

As will be evident from the above, the ring sector H may be secured in several positions relative to the arm M, through the cooperation of the worm gear P, 4 and the gears 1 h2. The position -of the zero point of the scale da has been selected, so that the mark h1 shows the same angle on the angle scale da as the mark b5 shows on the angle scale d2, when the ring sector H has been adjusted relative to the arm M by turning the worm P, so that the mark m* stands opposite the zero point of the correction scale 5 and when the graduation disk Dv has been turned simultaneously into such an angular position that the point 1 lies in a straight line with the points 2 and 3. It may then be supposed that the zero direction of the bed plate graduation of the gun is parallel to the zero direction of the circular scale in the observation stand. When the ring sector H is locked to the arm M, and the arm M together with the ring sector H is turned relative to the graduation disk D, the graduation disk K1 toge-ther with the angular scale 7a2, turns then, relative to the mark s of the sector J actuated by the gears K, (Z4, an angle proportionate to the turning angle of the arm M and the ring sector H. With the ring sector H secured relative to the arm M in that position, wherein the mark m4 stands opposite the zero point of the correction scale 5; theratios are selected in such a manner that the mark s indicates the angular distance on the angle scale 7a2 in fractions of the unit whereon the angle scale (Z3 is based, in every position which the mark h1 may take relative to the angle scale da, of the mark k1 from the previous main division line of the angle scale d3. The ratio of transmission of the gears 1 k2 has moreover been selected to equal the transmission ratio ot' the gears K d'1. lVith the arm M standing still and when, by turning the worm P, the mark L1, for the purpose of making corrections, is displaced relative to the angle scale (Z3 considered to be stationary, a certain number of fractions of the angular unit; the mark 3 turns in consequence an angle relative to the scale disk K1, also considered stationary, which angle likewise expresses exactly the same number of fractions. The mark 3 then expresses exactly in fractions of the angular unit in each case against the scale k2, the angular distance the mark h1 has from the previous main division line of the scale d3.

To find the elevation and training for the gun to which the described device belongs is accomplished as follows: The range of the target, that is the distance from the observation stand to the latter, is first ascertained and the angle which an imaginary line from the observation stand to the target makes in a horizontal plane with the zero direction of the graduation arc of the observation stand is thereupon read oil the graduation arc situated on the observation stand. This amount is transmitted to the gun mount and there adjusted on the device which forms the subject matter of this invention. For this purpose the slide B is displaced so far, by means of turning the screw spindle C until the mark b3 shows the range on the range scale a?, which had been measured on the observation stand. The scale D is thereupon turned by hand until the mark b5 shows on the angle scale (Z2 the horizontal angle observed on the observation stand. The range of the target may thereupon be read 01T against the edge e2 of the sleeve E -on the scale f1 of the ruler F, which gives a measure of the range to be given the gun.

As the arm M, being one of the members of the link-parallelogram d1, E, N, M, together with the ring sector H, which is locked relative to the arm M by means of the self-locking worm gear P, 4, during the turning of the scale disk D, travels parallel to the ruler F, which forms the gun to target side of the triangle; the mark 71,1, situated on the ring sector H, must therefore show the angle on the scale d3 which the actual gun to target line forms on the ground with the Zero line on the bed plate graduation of the gun, when the ring sector H is adjusted to the arm M, in such a manner that the zero point of the correction scale 5 registers with the mark m4. If now the ring sector H, by means of turning the worm P, is displaced relative to the arm M an amount corresponding to the necessary correction, the mark h1 will then show ydirectly on the angle scale d3 the training to be given to the gun with the correction included while the fractions of the angular' unit may be read off by means of the mark i3 on the angle scale Z22.

It will be evident from the drawing that the circumference which encloses the reading marks of the described device may remain unchanged, even if thescale of the triangle 1, 2, 3, were enlarged. If a greater scale were selected for this triangle, the distinctiveness of the reading ofi-devices of the apparatus would still remain the same. When the scale is enlarged, only the length of the stand A will be increased. As the stand, however, still may be kept very narrow, the dimensions of the apparatus will therefore, even with comparatively large proportions, remain within permissible limits.

I claim:

1. A range and position finder for guns, comprising a table, a ruler mounted to oscillate thereon, a disk mounted to slide on said table, a link connecting the center of said disc with a journal point on said ruler, said table, ruler, .and link producing a mechanical triangle determined by the center of said disc, the axis of oscillation of said ruler, and` said journal point; means for adjusting the sides of the mechanical triangle converging at the axis of oscillation of said ruler; and means for adjusting the angles of said mechanical triangle opposite to said sides, comprising longitudinal and angular scales for the range and horizontal position readings respectively, said disc carrying said angular scales and being situated at one of the points ofthe mechanical triangle distant from said axis of oscillation, and said table and ruler carrying said longitudinal scales, the zero points of said longitudinal scales being situated adjacent the axis of oscillation of said ruler.

2. A range and position inder for guns, comprising a table, a ruler mounted to oscillate thereon, a disc mounted to slide on said table, a link connecting the center of said disc with a journal point on said ruler, said table, ruler, and link producing a mechanical t-riangle determined by the center of said disc, the axis of oscillation of said ruler, and said journal point; means for adjusting the sides of the mechanical triangle converging at the axis of oscillation of said ruler; and means for adjusting the .angles of said mechanical triangle opposite toY said sides; said means comprising setting scales on said table and disc respectively for a given range and a given horizontal position adjustment, and measuring scales on said ruler and disk respectively for the range and horizontal position readings for the gun; said disc carrying said angular scales and being situated at one of the points of the mechanical triangle distant from said Iaxis of oscillation, and said table and ruler carrying said longitudinal scales, the zero points of said longitudinal scales being situated adjacent the .axis of oscillation of said ruler; said ruler being journaled at one end of said table and being provided with a sleeve, said link being pivoted on said sleeve in said journal point and mounted to revolve in rigid connection with said disc around the axis thereof; a slide mounted in guides on said table and adapted to be adjusted longitudinally in the same vertical plane in which lies the axis of oscillation of said ruler, said disc being revolubly seated on said slide; a horizontal position setting scale and a horizontal position measuring scale, said last named scales being concentrically arranged on said disc.

3. A range calculating instrument for a gun, the instrument having a table, a ruler, a disk, a link connecting the center of the disk with said ruler, and means for adjusting said instrument parts to each other, said ruler being journaled at one end 0n said table; said means comprising a sleeve on the ruler, said link being pivoted on said sleeve and mounted to revolve around the axis of said disk, a slide mounted in guides on said table and adapted to be adjusted longitudinally in the same vertical plane in which lies the axis of revolution of said ruler, said disk being revolubly seated on said slide; whereby, on mutually adjusting said several parts, a mechanical triangle will be produced, the points of said mechanical triangle being situated respectively in the axis of said disk, in the axis of oscillation of said ruler and in the point of said link.

4. A range calculating instrument for a gun, the instrument having a table, a ruler, a disk, a link connecting the center of the disk with said ruler, and means for adjusting said instrument parts to each other, said ruler being journaled at one end on said table; said means comprising a vsleeve 0n the ruler, said link being pivoted on said sleeve and mounted to revolve around the axis of said disk; a slide mounted in guides on said table and adapted to be adjusted longitudinally in the same plane in which lies the axis of revolution of said ruler, said disk being revolubly seated on said slide, suitable setting scales on the table and the disk respectively for adjusting the finder to range and azimuth as communicated from the observation stand, suitable reading scales on said ruler and disk respectively for range and horizontal position readings for the gun; an index on said slide for said range setting scale, an index on said sleeve for said range reading scale; -said horizontal position scales being concentrically arranged on said disk, an index on said slide for said horizontal position setting scale.

5. A range calculating instrument for a gun, the instrument having a table, a ruler, a disk, a link connecting the center of the disk with said lruler, and means for adjusting said instrument parts to each other, said ruler being journaled at one end on said table; said means comprising a sleeve on the ruler, said link being pivoted on said sleeve and mounted to revolve around the axis of said disk; a slide mounted in guides on said table and adapted to be adjusted longitudinally in the same plane in which lies the axis of revolution of said ruler, said disk being revolubly seated on said slide; a range setting scale on said table and an index therefor on said slide; a range reading scale on said ruler and an index therefor on said sleeve; a horizontal setting scale and an index therefor on said slide; a horizontal reading scale; an arm coaxially mounted with said disk, and a connecting member between said arm and said sleeve, forming a link-parallelogram with said sleeve, link and arm, an index controlled by said arm Vfor said horizontal position reading scale.

6. A range calculating instrument for a gun, the instrument having a table, a ruler, a disk, a link connecting the center of the disk with said ruler, and means for adjusting said finder parts to each other, said ruler being journaled at one end on said table; said means comprising a sleeve on the ruler; said link being pivotcd on said sleeve and mounted to revolve around the axis of said disk; a slide mounted in guides on said table and adapted to be adjusted longitudinally in the same plane in which lies the axis of revolution of said ruler, said disk being revolubly seated on said slide; a range setting scale on said table and an index therefor on said slide; a range reading scale on said ruler and an index therefor on said sleeve; a horizontal position setting scale and an index therefor on said slide; a horizontal position reading scale; an arm coaxially mounted with said disk, and a connecting member between said arm and said sleeve, forming a link-parallelogram with said sleeve, link and arm, an index controlled by said arm for said horizontal position reading scale; a carrier for said last named index, seated in a concentric groove in said disk, a sector mounted to revolve on said disk coaxially with said arm, gearing connection between said sector and said index carrier and a ne setting gear with suitable graduation between said disk and said sector.

7. A range calculating instrument for a gun, the instrument having a table, a ruler, a disk, a link connecting the center of the disk with said ruler, and means for adjusting said iinder parts to each other, said ruler being journaled at one end on said table; said means comprising a sleeve on the ruler, said link being pivoted on said sleeve and mounted to revolve around the axis of said disk; a slide mounted in guides on said table and adapted to be adjusted longitudinally in the same plane in which lies the axis of revolution of said ruler, said disk being revolubly seated on said slide; a range setting scale on said table and an indexl therefor on said slide; a range reading scale on said ruler and an'index therefor on said sleeve; a main horizontal position setting scale and an index therefor on said slide; a main horizontal position reading scale; an arm coaxially mounted with said disk, and a connecting member between said arm and said sleeve, forming a link-parallelogram with said sleeve, link and arm, an index controlled by said arm for said horizontal position reading scale; a carrier for said last named index, seated in a concentric groove in said disk, a sector mounted to revolve on said disk coaxially with said arm, gearing connection between said seetor and said index carrier and a fine setting gear with suitable graduation between said disk and said sector; a spur wheel in gearing connection with said disk, said spur wheel being coaxially mounted with said sector and having a scale subdivided into fractions of the unit on said main horizontal position scales, and said sector having an index registering with said fractional scale.

The foregoing specification signed at Barmen, Germany, this 27th day of J une, 1913.

HEINRICH JUST. [1.. s]

In the presence of ALBERT NUFER, JULIUs FESTNER. 

